Senior midfielder Cristian Reyes (pictured) celebrates a goal during the second half of Xaverian’s fall ball victory against Hingham on Saturday in Taunton. Photo by Mike Flanagan.
By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Medfield High School and Xaverian lacrosse both had high expectations for their 2020 season. The Warriors boasted the return of nearly its entire starting lineup from the 2019 Division II state championship game. The Hawks, meanwhile, brought back a plethora of Division I commits and welcomed in a new coaching staff, headed by former Medfield defensive coordinator Daggett Morse.
Both teams had the talent to make long tournament runs and were seemingly destined for strong seasons in their respective divisions, but unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the entire 2020 season into cancellation. The commonality both programs share is having to replace so much departed talent from their large 2020 senior classes, and prepare for 2021. In a weird year where getting together for offseason workouts has been limited, the Hawks and Warriors need to take advantage of every opportunity to do so.
This past weekend, both programs took part in the Massachusetts Invitational Lacrosse League (M.I.L.L.), held at Fore Kicks in Taunton and hosted by Endicott College. Schedule changes due to COVID regulations forced the Hawks and Warriors to each play just two games against Division I power Hingham, who brought two teams. Also in attendance were the previous two reigning Division I state champions, BC High (2018) and Lincoln-Sudbury (2019), as well as 2018 runner-up Acton-Boxborough and Central Catholic.
Both Xaverian and Medfield won both of their games. The Hawks outscored Hingham-1 by a total of 17-6 in the two games behind a big day from junior midfielder Ben Ryan (five goals, three assists). The Warriors outscored Hingham-2 by a total of 21-9. Junior Loyola-committed mid/attack-man Luke Murphy led the way with four goals and four assists.
“It was good for our guys to finally get together and play the sport they love,” said Morse when asked to assess the play of his Hawks. “Getting in reps is important this time of the year and we’re just trying to get better every day.”
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as video highlights of games follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram handles @flano0.
